In 1957, Yonhi University and Severance Medical School merged to become Yonsei University. After the merging, Yonsei University grew to become one of the best universities in Korea. It became the driving force behind Korea’s economic and political growth, and it also continues to spearhead university education and research.
This Yonsei spirit and academic tradition also took roots in Wonju. First opened as the Wonju Campus Medical School in 1978, it expanded to establish itself as a university, and it grew into one of Gangwon region’s leading campuses since moving to Maeji-ri in 1984.
The opening of an international campus in Songdo, Incheon, in 2010 was the first step for Yonsei University to become a world-class education and research powerhouse. Through decentralization and collaboration among its campuses (Sinchon, Health System, Wonju, International), Yonsei is committed to contributing to the development of mankind and society by leading creative changes and to build a new history.
SINCE 1957
- January 5, 1957
Reconfiguration into a Modern University and Innovative Restructuring(1957 - 1979)
- March 25, 1957
Dr. Nak Jun Baek was appointed as the president and Dr. HyunBae Choi, Dr. Myung Sun Kim were appointed as vice-presidents of Yonsei University.
- Dr. Nak Jun Baek, The first president of Yonsei University (1895-1985)
- President Baek’s inauguration
- June 5, 1962
Dedication of the College of Medicine and Nursing faculty and students’ dormitories and Severance Hospital after moving to Sinchon Campus from Seoul Railway Station area. (Courtesy of China Medical Board of USA and the 8th corps of US forces in Korea)
- Dedication ceremony of Sinchon
- Severance at Sinchon in 1960s
- October, 1978
Wonju Campus of Yonsei University was established andthe Department of Public Health was founded.
- January 8, 1981
Wonju campus was elevated to Wonju College with 10 departments. (Department of Medicine (Pre-med, Med), Public Health, English Literature, Economics, Business Administration, Mathematics, Physics, Biology)
- May 11, 1985
100th Anniversary Commemoration
- May 4, 2005
Dedication of new Severance Hospital.
- March 3, 2010
Opening of the International Campus
- September 28, 2011
Return of Yonhi College flag after 61 years
- May 9, 2015
130th Anniversary Commemoration
- October 7, 2015
Completion of Baekyangro Re-creation Project
- December, 2019
Pinson Hall was designated as a National Registered Cultural Heritage No. 770.
- April, 2021
Underwood Memorial House was designated as a National Registered Cultural Heritage.
- April, 2023
Korea’s first heavy ion radiotherapy for cancer patients was initiated.
- June, 2024
Yonsei was ranked 56th in the QS World University Rankings 2025.
- November, 2024
Korea’s first quantum computer was installed.
